Fourwing Saltbush, Chico, Chamisco,Atriplex canescens,Amaranth Family (Amaranthaceae)

Found in sandy, gravelly, disturbed areas, roadsides
Seen in October at Plaza Blanca

The last plant for this season is not in bloom, although a quick glance may give the impression of long clusters of petals. Fourwing Saltbush is a common shrub in our area growing to 5 feet wide and 5 feet high. Tiny greenish-white male and yellow female flowers are on separate plants which bloom in the spring. Leaves are narrow and grayish-green. What appears to be petals are small seeds with four broad wings. Initially green, they turn yellow, then tan and papery and remain on the plant into the winter providing browse for livestock and deer, and seeds for birds and rodents. Traditionally it has many practical and ceremonial uses. Leaves have a very acceptable taste with a salty tang and can be eaten cooked or raw. Seeds ground into a powder can be mixed with cereals and used in making cakes etc. The leaves and stems were burnt by the Hopi Indians and the alkaline ash used to maintain the blue color when cooking blue corn and as a substitute for baking soda. The Havasupai made a soapy lather from the leaves and used it as a wash on itches and rashes such as chickenpox, and for washing hair. The Navajo applied a poultice of the crushed leaves to ant bites to reduce the pain and swelling. A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and stems, and the wood used to make arrow points. Source.
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